12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

Secret # 6 Conquering Saboteurs


When I think of a saboteur, the word brings to mind several meanings. To sabotage work is to interrupt it or damage it in some way. A saboteur disrupts or harms work and efforts. At first I thought of all of the inner critics we all have as we create art, writing, music, dance, any attempt at expression. But, I have come to the conclusion that an even greater saboteur is time. Time is so valuable and yet, it can be absorbed so easily.


Today, instead of working on my illustrations for my picture book, I decided to create an image of how time pulls in many directions. When I tried to upload it to this post, blogger was unable to complete the task. Now, this is not a work of art. It is a cartoon of sorts but it is giving me grief! My time is so valuable to me and I resent the fact that I can't put my illustration on. I will try again, right now.

Here it is in all it's messiness. Trust me, it looked better before I scanned it
I think I'm better off photographing it. Next time I will. The scanner is not working as well as I expected.

An Award!

Alberta from Amusing Muses has given an award and I was a recipient! I am so honored and thrilled. Thank you , Alberta. You are a real phenominal woman.

12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

MAGIC

I believe in magic. Not just the ordinary sleight of hand, but the kind of magic that emerges when my energy is moved. The first time I realized that I could create magic was a few years ago in my classroom. I found that the kids were wrapped up in our collective magic. They never wanted to leave (for the most part). This was powerful to me and I have reflected on it every chance I get.

This magic flows for me whenever I work. The flow grows and expands as I move my energy in creative persuits. Since I have been developing my art, my energy is expanding. When an element is added, magic grows. In many ways, it's like cultivating a garden. The magic of bright orange coupled with purple infuses energy into this photo.

Energy emerges permeating the composition with color. I can equate the art that I'm producing to this color composition. When I observe these combinations, I feel a sense of wonder and beauty. There is so much joy in these colors.
If this post is off topic, I am sorry. This is where my insight brought me.
I have been working on a picture book submission. I applied for a grant and now I'm researching publishers for my story and illustrations. These are some goals that I have for my art. With sheer effort and a little MAGIC, I'll move ahead.

My Photo Journal

I have just started a photo journal to store some of my photography. The URL is: http://janetsphotojournal7.shutterfly.com/ This is a lot of fun to use, and I hope to build it over the next few weeks to chronicle my adventures and dreams. I have been sitting at the computer for too long right now, so I'm going to get up and shovel some of the snow that fell overnight. It doesn't look like much, but it'll be nice to get outside for a bit.

I added a couple of pictures so this post wouldn't look so dull. These are from the cruise we took in November.

My Muse Is Missing

I have chosen to use this title because I am so frustrated right now. I'm not sure whether it's the time of year, and she's just sleeping for a while, or if the problem is that I have a block and I'm not hearing her clearly.

For quite a bit of time, I have been searching for answers, doing a variety of activities to open up my charkra (Nia dance, Yoga, Vision Boards, Meditation, Art Classes, Photography, Reading, Sewing, etc.) just to name a few of them. In spite of my whole-hearted participation, my Muse remains secluded.

A friend recently told me to pay attention to my dreams and keep a dream journal. Last night, I think one of my dreams was about collecting bugs. Some people were creating art in the background, while I was collecting a variety of bugs. This will be a record of that particular dream...Hmmm.

This morning, I received the news that a member of my family needs financial assitance. I want so much to be able to help, but I need to find a way without impacting my family's budget. It seems that everything is so fragile these days. I would love to have a product that I can devote to help out. Sometimes, I hear those talk shows that reference the spirit of generousity and giving and how these things enrich you in numerous ways. It all sounds so wonderful, but where does one find the resources? Everything I think of for a product whether it's art, or services the idea is being explored in some way, or it requires certification. I want to think of something practical so buyers will want to purchase one or some of it. Especially given that the economy is so depressed.

Where is my Muse in all of this? I'm posting this on my blog and sending it out to the universe in the hope that she will come and help me out with some inspiration.

Comfort Doll Project

While browsing this web blog http://www.groggyfroggy.blogspot.com/ I found a link to the Comfort Doll Project. This sounds like such a nice idea, that I thought I would include a link to it so that I can explore it further. I love the thought of providing battered women with a work of art. So, my plan is to create a doll or two to send to this cause. We should support one another.
I may even think about gifts for my friends and family. (Of course, they won't all get done for this Christmas. So, they could be an ongoing project or a never-ending project.) I'll keep you posted. Thank you Groggy Froggy!

Buffalo Update

I have finished Casey's buffalo. I added grass and stitched around the edges. My son wants to hang it up, so I may add a dowel pocket in the back.

After dinner last night, I gave it to him so he could have it today when he went into Boston. He seemed very happy about receiving it.

I wish I had taken his picture with it. :)

I added some more of my favorite blogs to the list on my page. I have so many favorites now, that I should put them all on here so I can look them up easily.

Buffalo Stage 2

Here I have appliqued the main parts of the buffalo. I plan to sew him (Yes, it's a male) onto cream colored fleece. I embroidered a smile for his mouth, but it's barely visible. I also switched his beard to the same fleece as his fur.

Next Wednesday (12/17), Casey is having his tonsils and adinoids removed. I want the buffalo ready to give him on the night before his surgery. I'll ask him if he wants it to be a rug or a blanket. Maybe I should just finish it as a blanket.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Let me know, okay?

Until later... Janet

Casey's Buffalo

My Grandson has a fondness for buffalo. He saw some at the zoo earlier this fall. My oldest son has been laying wood floors throughout his house. When Casey showed me his beautiful floor in his bedroom, I lold him he cold have a rug by his bed to stand on when he gets up. He asked if it could be a buffalo. Hmm, that made me think about creating a rug for him. This picture shows my version of a buffalo cut from fleece. All of the pieces are pinned and ready to be sewn.

New Discoveries

Hi, I'm back from my cruise. It was an amazing adventure. We traveled on the Disney Magic - and a magnificent journey! I'll have to post some pictures soon.
But now we're back to reality and getting ready for Thanksgiving with family.
While I was busy reading the Amusing Muses' blog this morning, I rambled over to The Lavender Loft - a beautiful web blog. Janet is a participant in Diary 2009 Project. I placed a link on my right column, just take a peek. It looks like a fun way to journal the year. Congratulations to the participants of this amazing project.

Tropical Cruise

Tomorrow, my husband I leave for our Carribean Cruise. I'm just about all packed and almost ready. I'll be back on the 23rd - just in time to get ready for Thanksgiving :)
My Best,
Janet